Tasty White Wine Lemon Pepper Marinade for Grilled Chicken
Are you looking to add a new twist to your salad dressing game or want to marinade your chicken or fish with a unique flavor? Look no further than this white wine lemon pepper marinade and salad dressing recipe. It’s savory, tangy, and zesty all at once. With just the right balance of acidity and sweetness, it will elevate any dish to the next level.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can use it as a salad dressing, a marinade for grilled chicken or fish, or even as a dipping sauce. The combination of dry white wine, lemon juice, garlic, and spices makes for an irresistible flavor that will leave your guests begging for more.
Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make. Just blend all the ingredients in a jar or bowl and voila! A homemade dressing or marinade that’s much healthier and tastes better than commercially-made options. So why not impress your friends and family with this delicious white wine lemon pepper marinade?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are many reasons why you’ll fall in love with this White Wine Lemon Pepper Marinade/Salad Dressing recipe. You’re in for a treat since this recipe is not only super easy to make but also delicious and versatile. Whether you use it as a marinade or salad dressing, this recipe will elevate your dish and bring out the most vibrant flavors.
Firstly, what is a good meal without a tangy and refreshing dressing? This recipe’s combination of ingredients provides a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and sour flavors that will leave your taste buds craving more.
Additionally, it’s an excellent way to make use of those leftover bottles of white wine that have been sitting in your kitchen. A dry white wine mixed with garlic, lemon, and olive oil provides a beautiful base for the marinade or dressing. It’s also easy to switch things up by adding different flavors like sweet basil, tarragon, or oregano.
Furthermore, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Whether you’re preparing chicken breasts, salmon fillets, or pasta dishes like Cobb salads and Greek salads, the White Wine Lemon Pepper Marinade/Salad Dressing will be the perfect complement to your dish. It’s even an excellent dipping sauce for bread!
In summary, this White Wine Lemon Pepper Marinade/Salad Dressing recipe is undeniably a must-try if you’re looking to add an extra kick to your meals. Its combination of fresh herbs gives it both depth and flavor while its vibrant colors ensure it looks just as good as it tastes!
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious white wine lemon pepper marinade/salad dressing:
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt, freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sweet basil
- 1 teaspoon ground oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Gather the Ingredients
Before starting the recipe, make sure to have all the necessary ingredients ready. For this white wine lemon pepper marinade/salad dressing, you will need:
- [½ cup] dry white wine
- [½ cup] olive oil
- [2 tablespoons] white wine vinegar
- [2 tablespoons] lemon juice
- [1 tablespoon] Dijon mustard
- [1 teaspoon] lemon zest
- [1 teaspoon] garlic, crushed
- [2 teaspoons] sweet basil, chopped fresh
- [2 teaspoons] oregano, chopped fresh
- [2 teaspoons] tarragon, chopped fresh
- [1 teaspoon] salt
- [1 teaspoon] freshly ground pepper
Make sure to use good-quality, dry white wine for the best flavor.
Step 2: Blend the Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the white wine, olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, and garlic until well combined.
Add in the chopped herbs: sweet basil, oregano, and tarragon.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Whisk the mixture until all ingredients are fully combined.
Step 3: Refrigerate and Serve
Pour the white wine lemon pepper marinade/dressing into an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
This marinade/salad dressing pairs very well with grilled chicken, fish fillets, or roasted vegetables.
Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the most fun aspects of cooking is experimenting with different ingredients to create something unique and exciting. Here are a few substitutions and variations you may want to try out with this white wine lemon pepper marinade recipe:
– You can use red wine vinegar instead of white distilled vinegar, or swap out the white wine for a dry red wine. This will add a richer depth of flavor to the marinade.
– If you’re not a fan of lemon pepper, you could try garlic herb seasoning or Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile. Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs!
– For a more tangy vinaigrette, you can add some honey or brown sugar to the mix. This will balance out the acidity of the lemon juice and vinegar.
– If you want a creamier dressing for salads, add in some sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
– You can also incorporate some other ingredients to make this marinade into a variety of sauces, such as cobb salad dressing or lemon garlic butter sauce for pasta. Simply adjust the quantities of each ingredient as needed.
There are endless ways to customize this recipe, so don’t be afraid to get creative with your substitutions and variations!
Serving and Pairing
This white wine lemon pepper marinade/salad dressing recipe is refreshingly tangy and pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes. You can use it as a salad dressing or a marinade for fish fillet, chicken thighs, and even lemon butter salmon.
For a light summer meal, drizzle the dressing over a Greek salad with fresh veggies, crumbly feta cheese, and grilled chicken breast. This makes for a fresh, bright pairing that’ll have you feeling satisfied and guilt-free.
Alternatively, toss your favorite pasta with some chopped tomatoes and basil, then top it off with this delicious white wine vinaigrette for an Italian-inspired dish that’s sure to impress. The tanginess of the dressing will complement any pasta dish and add depth of flavor to the meal.
For a more hearty meal, use the marinade recipe on lawry’s-seasoned chicken breast. Marinate for at least 30 minutes before grilling or baking. The flavors will seep into the meat and make it tender and juicy.
Finally, serve this delicious dressing alongside grilled or baked fish fillets. It’s especially good on salmon. The zingy dressing will bring out the natural flavor of fish and make your taste buds dance with delight.
Ultimately, this versatile white wine lemon pepper marinade/salad dressing recipe is slightly sweet and perfectly tangy which makes it a great all-rounder that pairs well with many delicious dishes.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you have made the white wine lemon pepper marinade and salad dressing, you may want to make it ahead of your scheduled special occasion or dinner party. Fortunately, this recipe can be easily made ahead of time, without losing any of its fresh tanginess.
If you’re making it ahead of a scheduled event, prepare the marinade and salad dressing as instructed, but only use half the amount of garlic that the original recipe requires – as garlic flavor can become stronger and more pungent as it sits. Store it in an airtight container for up to one week in the refrigerator until ready to use.
When it comes to reheating, simply take out the amount required and place it in a microwave-safe container, then warm it for 20-30 seconds. Be sure not to overheat to avoid cooking your fresh ingredients or changing the texture of your marinade.
Lastly, if you finish all your dressing quickly (which is highly probable considering how delicious this vinaigrette is), there are other ways to make use of your remaining sauce! Try drizzling leftover white wine lemon pepper marinade on grilled chicken breast, vegetables, or fish fillets for added flavor. You’ll be surprised at how versatile this zesty dressing is!
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure the best outcome with this white wine lemon pepper marinade/salad dressing, here are some tips that you should follow.
First off, make sure to use fresh ingredients as much as possible. Squeeze fresh lemons for the lemon juice and use freshly minced garlic. Additionally, opt for sweet basil, oregano or tarragon instead of dried herbs to get the most flavor out of your vinaigrette.
When preparing the marinade or salad dressing, mix the dry ingredients first before adding liquid ingredients. This will ensure that all the flavors are evenly distributed.
If using the marinade for meat, be sure to make extra and reserve some for basting while cooking. You can also brush some more marinade over the meat when it’s warm out of the oven or grill.
For salads, add only a small amount of dressing at first and toss gently. You want to coat each leaf or piece of vegetable evenly without drenching them. Add more as needed but do not overdo it or your salad will turn soggy.
Lastly, store your leftover dressing/marinade in a sealed container in the refrigerator, and it will last about a week. However, if you notice any changes in color or smell from your dressing/marinade, it’s best to discard it.
By following these tips, you’ll have a delicious and flavorful white wine lemon pepper marinade/salad dressing that pairs well with many different dishes.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this white wine lemon pepper marinade/salad dressing recipe is a real crowd-pleaser. With its fresh and zesty flavors, it’s perfect for any type of dish you want to enhance, from salads to pastas to meats and beyond. Whether you’re a novice or a skilled home chef, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to impress your guests.
By using high-quality ingredients such as dry white wine, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice, you can elevate your dishes to new levels of deliciousness. Moreover, this recipe is versatile enough to offer substitutions and variations if you want to tailor it to your taste preferences.
So next time you want to bring an exciting flavor profile to your cooking, give this white wine lemon pepper marinade/salad dressing recipe a try. I’m confident that it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen, and the go-to for many meals. Trust me – your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!
White Wine Lemon Pepper Marinade / Salad Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup white balsamic vinegar (Alessi or Black Swan brand)
- 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons granulated garlic
- 1 tablespoon lemon pepper
- 1/2 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon tarragon
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon sweet basil
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together.
- Can be kept in fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- I use this as a marinade for beef, chicken, pork or veggies before grilling and as a basting sauce while grilling.